Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they intend to take in response to reports that some providers of residential care services are not following government guidelines, and continue to deny residents visits by family and friends even when the home is free from all infections.

The Government's guidance is clear that every resident should be able to receive at least one visitor in all circumstances. Where visiting is not being supported in line with guidance, we work with the UK Health Security Agency’s health protection teams to resolve any local issues. The Care Quality Commission can also investigate complaints and has regulatory powers to act where providers do not appropriately support people to have access to visits. We recognise that there are instances where residents are unable to receive visitors and we are therefore reviewing further options to avoid restrictions on visiting.